Before I get to the actual point of this post, I want to share how surprised I was when googling images for the word “immersion”. So much immersion, and one picture just dominates the internet when it comes to immersion. Google it to see for yourself.
Not the point I wanted to make however.
I just read up on my favorite blog, From Poverty to Power, the one blog I check every day. Today’s topic was on the idea of immersion experiences in the development sector as a way for NGO staff and others to better understand the circumstances in which the people they serve, live. As I read it, I was uncomfortably reminded of my own past intentions to immerse myself in the way described in the post:
“Immersions can take many forms, but an almost universal feature is staying in a poor community, as a person, living with a host family, helping with tasks and sharing in their life. The overnight stay is vital for relationships, experience, and relaxed conversations after dark and talking into the night.”
I have said to myself – and maybe just a few other people – in the past that I’d like to stay the night once in Mtakuja, just so I could see for myself what it would be like. I have also said that I would like to spend one day with the Masai boys from Remiti and follow them around as they herd their cattle and whatever else they do during the day. I have done neither! I haven’t had to make any excuses for not doing them so far, as I had not told enough people about my intentions, the lack of the public commitment has led to too little accountability. So herewith, I renew my intention for an immersion experience!
I suspect I don’t need this.
So why haven’t I don’t it at this point? Of course I have real questions about the value and if I will be imposing on someone. Whoever likes the guest who invites himself to stay? And yes, I felt that I was always quite immersed anyway, spent days upon days in the village, spoke at length with lots of people, I had “relaxing conversations”, sometimes even after dark, and sometimes with a warm beer in hand. But I can’t deny their is something uncomfortable about it and it is certainly easier not to do it at all!
Duncan Green, the author of the blog (From Poverty to Power) observes in the comment section of his blog, that many of the other commenters seem to throw up all kinds of criticisms of immersions as no good, or an insufficient tool. He wonders why all those reservations? It is not too hard – I think – to sense his feeling that people are not being truthful with themselves. I’d agree, immersions are uncomfortable, perceived or real, and there’s gotta be a dose of simple fear here that drives the defensiveness in the comments.
Development Considered 
My first comment! Though I have been checking and reading every day. I look forward to reading your post about your over-night experience in Mtakuja.
Ah, now the pressure is on.
Enjoying your perspective on the development work you do and development in general….you ‘voice’ come through so soundly, and those writing skills you have honed are evident here. Great reading, and learning. Thanks!
Dori